Nigerian Universities Risk Falling Behind Without Use Of AI – Says EFCC Boss, Olukoyede

The Executive Chairman of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), Ola Olukoyede, on Tuesday called on Nigerian universities to urgently integrate Artificial Intelligence (AI) into their ethical and financial management systems to curb corruption and boost accountability.

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Olukoyede made the call in Kano while delivering a keynote address at the opening ceremony of the 8th Biennial Conference of the Committee of Pro-Chancellors of State Universities in Nigeria.

Describing Artificial Intelligence as “a necessary defence,” the anti-graft czar warned that the nation’s university system cannot afford to lag behind in the global transition to technology-driven governance.

He noted that universities across the country handle multi-billion-naira resources, including tuition fees, TETFund allocations, and research grants, yet continue to grapple with accountability challenges.

Naija News reports that while highlighting the scale of the problem, Olukoyede disclosed that the commission had investigated several corruption cases involving tertiary institutions nationwide.

“The EFCC has investigated cases involving inflated contracts, ghost workers, and diverted students’ fees in tertiary institutions across the federation,” he said.

“Each case represented not only a loss of public funds but also a betrayal of the trust that Nigerian parents, students, and taxpayers have placed in the university system.”

He stressed that weak financial integrity in universities undermines their core mandate of producing ethical professionals.

“A university that lacks financial accountability cannot credibly train future accountants and auditors, and one that tolerates fraud cannot produce the ethical professionals our economy needs,” he added.

“The university’s integrity is thus a matter of national security, and AI offers transformative tools to defend it.”

Olukoyede outlined key areas where AI can enhance ethical and financial management in universities, including fraud detection, automated auditing, payroll integrity, procurement monitoring, and academic integrity systems.

He cited the EFCC’s use of AI in major operations, including “Operation Eagle Flush” in December 2024, which led to the arrest of 792 suspects, including 193 foreign nationals, involved in cryptocurrency investment fraud and romance scams targeting victims across the United States, Canada, Mexico, and Europe.

The EFCC chairman urged governing councils of universities to take proactive steps by embedding AI into their administrative structures.

“I will recommend that you establish an AI and Digital Governance Committee within each Governing Council to drive responsible AI adoption,” he said.

“Create a Digital Integrity Strategy for finance, academic, and data protection within your institutions. Invest in digital infrastructure, broadband, cybersecurity, and cloud systems.”

He also advocated stronger collaboration between universities and the EFCC, including joint training programmes and intelligence sharing.

Olukoyede further called for the adoption of an AI Code of Ethics to safeguard privacy, prevent bias, and protect academic freedom.

‘Technology Alone Not Enough’

Despite the benefits of AI, the EFCC boss cautioned that technology cannot replace human integrity.

“No matter how sophisticated the technology might be, its effectiveness ultimately depends on the integrity of the human beings who will utilise the tools,” he said.

“AI will therefore not work magic for the ivory towers if the integrity deficit that is palpable among the workforce is not addressed.”

He also warned against potential risks such as over-reliance on technology, erosion of professional judgement, threats to institutional autonomy, and cybersecurity vulnerabilities arising from poor data management.

Reaffirming the commission’s commitment to supporting institutions, Olukoyede emphasised that tackling corruption requires a united effort.

“The fight against corruption is a national project that depends on the integrity of every institution, especially our universities,” he said.

“The EFCC is ready to collaborate with you in training and intelligence sharing in the unwavering belief that integrity will lead Nigeria to greatness and transparency. This is possible. It is achievable.”